The 17th Annual New Jersey Hall of Fame (NJHOF) Induction Ceremony is set to take place at The Rink at the Arena at American Dream in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Friday, November 21, 2025, with actor and comedian Danny DeVito serving as host.
Musicians being honored in the “Performing Arts & Entertainment” category include David Bryan, The Isley Brothers, and The Jonas Brothers.
David Bryan, born David Bryan Rashbaum in Perth Amboy and raised in Edison, New Jersey, is best known as the longtime keyboardist and backing vocalist for Bon Jovi. A classically trained musician, he studied piano from age seven and spent many years working with a Juilliard professor. Beyond his rock credentials, Bryan has earned Broadway acclaim: he composed the score (with Joe DiPietro) for the musical Memphis, winning a Tony Award for Best Original Score.
Photo courtesy NJHOF
The Isley Brothers are one of the most enduring and influential families in American popular music, with a career that spans gospel, doo-wop, R&B, funk, rock, and soul. Originating as brothers Kelly, Rudolph, Ronald, and Vernon singing in church in Cincinnati, they eventually struck out on their own—relocating to New Jersey and launching their own label, T-Neck Records. Hits like “Shout,” “Twist and Shout,” and the GRAMMY-winning “It’s Your Thing” showcase their extraordinary range. In the 1970s, with younger members Ernie, Marvin, and cousin Chris Jasper joining, the group evolved into a full band, blending rock’s energy with funk’s groove on classics like “That Lady,” “Fight the Power,” and “For the Love of You.” They were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1992 and won a GRAMMY Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014.
Photo courtesy NJHOF
The Jonas Brothers—Kevin, Joe, and Nick—are a GRAMMY-nominated pop-rock band who rose to fame in the mid-2000s, gaining international recognition through their hit albums, high-energy performances, and memorable roles on the Disney Channel. Known for songs like “S.O.S.,” “Burnin’ Up,” and “Lovebug,” the trio became a defining act of their era before taking a hiatus in 2013 to pursue solo and creative projects. They reunited in 2019 with a chart-topping comeback single, “Sucker,” and continue to balance music, television, entrepreneurship, and philanthropic work, all while maintaining a dedicated global fan base and strong ties to their New Jersey roots.
Photo courtesy NJHOF
According to the NJHOF, the music legends are among seventeen inductees this year, chosen from 60 nominees after a public vote.
Also of note: Dorothea Bongiovi, wife of beloved rocker and 2009 inductee Bon Jovi, is being honored as an “Unsung Hero.” As the founder and program director of JBJ Soul Kitchen, her pay-it-forward community restaurant model builds connection and provides dignity to people facing insecurity. Her induction recognizes not only her compassion but also the real, positive impact she’s making in New Jersey.
Not familiar with the NJHOF? In their own words, “the New Jersey Hall of Fame (NJHOF) honors citizens who have made invaluable contributions to society, the State of New Jersey, and the world beyond. Since 2008, the NJHOF has hosted sixteen ceremonies for more than 240 notable individuals and groups in recognition of their induction into the Hall of Fame. The NJHOF endeavors to present school children with significant and impactful role models to show that they can, and should, strive for excellence.”
While the ceremony is already sold out, you can always plan a visit to the NJHOF at the American Dream at your leisure. Their expansive 10,000-square-foot center is open seven days a week and “offers an engaging blend of entertainment and education, celebrating the remarkable individuals and achievements that have shaped New Jersey.” Their “unique and interactive exhibits” allow you to “embark on a cosmic journey through New Jersey’s contributions in the field of STEM in ‘Fly Me to the Moon.’” You can “admire the ‘Wall of Fame,’ a stunning tribute to the state’s most iconic figures, from music legends to literary giants. In ‘Late Night Jersey TV,’ you can step into the shoes of your favorite late-night hosts.” If you’re really feeling in a party mood, you can even sing alongside holograms of Jersey Legends on the “Karaoke Stage.” For more information, visit www.njhalloffame.org.
The Bruce Springsteen Archives & Center for American Music (BSACAM) and the NJHOF share a natural synergy rooted in celebrating the state’s cultural history and the people who shape it. While the NJHOF honors remarkable New Jerseyans across all fields, BSACAM preserves and interprets the stories, sounds, and creative legacies that define American music—with Springsteen, a 2008 NJHOF inductee, as a core figure. Together, we reinforce New Jersey not only as a birthplace of talent, but as a steward of its ongoing impact.
We congratulate all of the new inductees and wish our friends at the HoF the greatest success on their upcoming event!
Melissa Ziobro
Director of Curatorial Affairs
Bruce Springsteen Archives & Center for American Music
Monmouth University
November 17, 2025